A much-changed Barca line-up went down 2-1 at Camp Nou, with Messi, Luis Suarez and club captain Andres Iniesta unable to salvage matters having appeared as second-half substitutes.

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner returned from international duty with Argentina having aggravated a groin complaint and Luis Enrique will guard against further fitness problems in Tuesday’s Champions League opener against Celtic.

“Messi, I would like him to play every single minute. He would like that as well,” the Barca coach told a pre-match news conference.